Lenovo’s ZUK Z1 coming in October

The ZUK Z1 is a flagship device scheduled for an October release. In case you’re wondering what makes ZUK interesting enough, then it’s a product by Lenovo and would be running Cyanogen OS 12.1 (based on Android Lollipop).

Zuk Z1 unboxed

The ZUK Z1 is equipped with a 5.5-inch screen that features a 1080 x 1920 resolution. Under the hood is the Snapdragon 801 SoC. The chipset comes with a quad-core 2.5GHz CPU and the Adreno 330 GPU. It will carry 3GB of RAM is inside, along with 64GB of internal storage.

The 13MP rear-facing camera comes with a Sony sensor (IMX214) and it has OIS. An 8MP front-facing snapper uses an OmniVision sensor and is ready to snap selfies and handle video chat. A generous 4100 mAh battery. Other features include a fingerprint scanner, which is embedded in the “home button,” and the USB Type-C 3.0 port which is on board. The phone measures 8.9mm thick, and weighs in at 175 grams.

Zuk Z1 frontview

According to the Cyanogen’s Google+ page, “Cyanogen is excited to be the OS for ZUK’s Z1 international version! The Chinese version of the Z1 became an instant success with more than 2 million pre-orders in one week. Be on the lookout for the Z1 in mid-October.”

According to Zuk’s website, “With more than 400 outstanding top talents from famous Internet enterprises, ZUK takes aim at both mobile Internet and Internet of Things (IoT). ZUK revealed that they’ve established a software partnership with Cyanogen, a leading mobile OS company, for the international version of the ZUK Z1, which will bring the best customized Android experience to international users. The ZUK Z1 international version will be the first device from ZUK to come preloaded with the commercial Cyanogen OS. Combining Cyanogen OS 12.1 with the latest highest end hardware, the Z1 is poised to provide a fast, secure and beautiful device for Android users.”

Zuk Z1 front and side view

While it’s too early to tell whether Lenovo’s latest investment will take off, ZUK’s CEO Chang Cheng had previously helped Lenovo set up its e-commerce channels, so at least he shouldn’t struggle with operations and logistics in China. As for the overseas market, it’s probably only a matter of Luck, Time and Consumer’s Choice.